Influenza A/B Antigen
| Abbrev Code: | FLUAG | ||
| Order Code: | LAB3476 | Order Name: | Influenza A/B Antigen |
| Synonyms: | Rapid Flu; Rapid Influenza; FLUAGN; LAB60232, FAB; Influenza A/B Rapid Test (HealthEast) | ||
| Methodology: | Fluorescent immunoassay | ||
| CPT Codes: | 87804 x2 | ||
| Turnaround Time: | During respiratory season, results are reported the same day as receipt in the lab. | ||
| Special Instructions: | This test is performed routinely during respiratory virus season ONLY, approximately October-May. False-positive (and true-negative) results are more likely to occur when disease prevalence in the community is low, which is generally at the beginning and end of the respiratory season during the summer. If clinically necessary, patients with negative rapid influenza A/B antigen results can have the three virus PCR (Flu AB RSV) test requested. | ||
| Associated Links: | Nasal Wash Procedure, IDDL (Microbiology/Virology) Collection Container Guidelines, Nasal Swab Collection procedure |
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Collection Instructions
| Specimen: | 1 nasopharyngeal swab (all ages), nasopharyngeal wash (0-21 years only), 1 nasal swabs in universal transport media (all ages). Flocked tipped swab are recommended. |
| Container: | BD Universal Transport Media |
| Collection Instructions: | Nasal Swab: Insert swab into both nostrils. Using gentle rotation, push the swab until resistance is met at the level of the turbinates (less than one inch into the nostril). Rotate the swab several times against the nasal wall then remove it from the nostril.
Nasopharyngeal Swab: See Nasopharyngeal Swab Collection. Nasal Wash (0-21 years old only): See Nasal Wash Procedure. Swabs only: If sending via PTS, the specimen must be placed in a lab specimen bag with an absorbent pad and then placed into another lab specimen bag. |
| Causes for Rejection: | Ewabs, calcium alginate swabs, charcoal Ames swabs, excessively bloody specimens, tissue specimens, bronchial specimens, throat swabs, sputum specimens. |
Processing and Shipping
| Specimen Processing: | Store in refrigerator. |
| Shipping Instructions: | Ship at refrigerated temperature. Must arrive within 24 hours. |
| Test Performed at or Referral Lab | Infectious Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory (Clinics, CSC Mpls, Grand Itasca, Lakes, Northland, Range, UMMC East Bank, UMMC/UMMCH-West Bank) |
Interpretive
| Reference Range: | Negative |
| Use: | Rapid diagnosis of Influenza A or B infection. |
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